The talents of Gareth Bale were sorely missed as Wales and the Republic of Ireland played out the most drab of goalless draws at Cardiff City Stadium.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the contest and created the clearer of what chances there were, with Shane Long failing to convert two great opportunities while Robbie Brady and Paddy Madden also went close.

Craig Bellamy's second-half free-kick was as close as toothless Wales came, with Ben Davies failing to make the most of their best chance right on half-time.